Corporate Info

Sony’s first noise-isolating stereo headphones

Included with the first-ever “Walkman” (model TPS-L2). The first model in the “H-AIR” series of compact, lightweight headphones.

Following an unconventional course of development, the design specifications were determined first, with engineers then creating the corresponding product. Much lighter than the first-generation, this new Walkman supported metal tape and featured an anti-rolling mechanism. Emphasizing design and sound quality, the “Walkman II” was immensely popular.

The first in-ear headphones in the trend-setting ‘NUDE’ series.

Product developed based on creating a Walkman roughly the size of a cassette case. This model featured one AA battery, head, pinch roller, and headphone jack arranged in a row, with the cassette placed horizontally alongside this structure. From this point forward, the Walkman was established as a modern necessity, easily carried in a handbag or pocket.

The world's first portable CD player. Approximately the size of four CD cases, the body weighed 590g. Sold at a surprisingly low price (less than 50,000 yen), this device single-handedly accelerated the spread of the CD.

First model in its class to adopt a “gum stick”-like rechargeable battery and accommodated AA batteries as well. This device greatly reduced battery costs and weighed under 200g.

These headphones were the first in the world to adopt a bio-cellulose diaphragm with rigidity comparable to that of aluminum. They were priced at JPY 360,000.

The first ultracompact, lightweight DAT Walkman, small enough to fit in one's palm.

The world's first “MD Walkman” mini-disc recorder. This device had recording, playback, a numeric keypad, anti-skip technology, and a variety of additional useful features.

Sony’s first headphones with noise canceling functionality.

Playback-only MD Walkman featured the best of Sony's portable technology. World's smallest and lightest (as of September 1996).

The industry’s first neckband headphones.

Memory Stick Walkman, supporting Magic Gate copyright protection technology.

The first product to support the NetMD standard for high-speed transfer of music data from PC to Walkman. Powered by a “gum stick” sized rechargeable battery, this device was capable of approximately 28 hours of playback in standard mode.

Marketed simultaneously with "Duo" Memory Stick, this device incorporated 256 MB of flash memory in a compact body. It represented a new style of network Walkman enabling users to enjoy the equivalent of 11 CDs of music.

The “Hi-MD” Walkman. Backed by high-density recording technology, it was capable of extended sound recording and playback.

Adapts to the individual tastes of each user. The Walkman A series: forging deeper ties between people and music.

New sound entertainment player "Rolly." The product integrates various Sony audio technologies with robot-related technologies for motion control. The palm-sized, oval-shaped unit contains horizontally-opposed stereo speakers, flash memory and battery. This player fits in one's hand to go wherever the user does, enabling them to enjoy Rolly's clear sound and mesmerizing moves anytime, anywhere.

The world’s first digital noise canceling headphones, reducing ambient noise by up to 99%.

X-series WALKMAN delivers unrivaled portable audio/video experience

The industry’s first* digital surround headphone system for reproducing a 3D sound field with a newly added height direction.
* As a digital surround headphone system for consumer use (as investigated by Sony in August, 2011)